Are all of your translators located in your Atlanta office?
TrueLanguage has an established network of professional linguists who live and work all over the world. Our expert team handles everything from translation and proofing to editing and testing for cultural sensitivity. Through our long-term relationship with our translators, typesetters and graphic designers, we have come to know their strengths and unique skills and take great care to ensure that the right people are assigned to your project.

Do your translators check for cultural sensitivity?
Yes. Because we use only professionals working in their native language, we are able to recognize material which may not be suited for your target audience. Should we have any concerns, we will bring them to your attention immediately.

What about graphics?
Text in graphics will be translated and placed into the graphic in its original application.

What can be done at the start of a project to ensure it goes smoothly?
We will evaluate each project and suggest an efficient project approach, help you to streamline efforts and provide you with solutions. If the project is still in its planning stages, we will be happy to lend our expertise and advise you on any potential pitfalls, thus helping you avoid costly mistakes.

What type of files will I receive back as a “Final Deliverable?”
It depends on your requirements and language-specific challenges. Size often comes into play and must be taken into consideration. Most of the time, we will deliver the foreign language files in the same format and application as used in the English version. For languages such as Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Thai and Greek, outlined eps files or pdf files are often preferred.

What is the work flow for a typical project?
Keeping in mind that no project is ever typical, below is an example of a very basic project flow:

• Client sends original files (text, graphics, html) in English;
• Text is prepped and sent out for translation;
• Translation is proofed and edited by an editor;
• Translation is provided to the client for review or sign-off (if desired);
• Approved translation is then formatted or typeset;
• Document undergoes a final proof and is submitted to the client;
• Depending on the scope of the project, other stages may be introduced along the way.

What if we have a division in the target country?
Can our native language employees review the file? Yes, we encourage you to carefully review your translation so we can build your company-specific terminology and style for future projects.

What is the typical turnaround time for a project?
The turnaround time varies with each project and is based upon its complexity. We believe that a translation company is actually doing you a disservice if it promises a quick turnaround time without first thoroughly examining your project. However, after completing a careful analysis, we can offer “Rush Service” for projects that “had to be done yesterday.” Please contact us with the details of your project so we can provide a more definitive turnaround time.

How do you ensure our information remains confidential and secure?
Confidentiality is part of any professional translator’s ethical conduct. If your company requires a confidentiality or nondisclosure agreement, we will have our translators sign and return the agreement prior to receiving any materials.

What type of graphics files do you support?
We support files from most of the top graphics applications. This includes, but is not limited to: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Pagemaker, Adobe Acrobat and more.

Can we still proceed if I don’t have the original electronic file?
Yes. Original electronic files are preferred, but not required.

How exactly is the graphics side handled?
TrueLanguage’s network of indispensable professionals includes graphics specialists who are fluent in the latest graphics applications and who are familiar with foreign character requirements. If translated text is involved in the graphics, native speaking linguists will proof the work to ensure accuracy.

How can I work with Japanese characters? How do I make the characters vertical?
Unless you have a Japanese operating system (or language kit), a Japanese-enabled graphics application, and a nice selection of Japanese fonts, you won’t be able to use Japanese in your document. But we can help. TrueLanguage has the tools, fonts, and applications to do graphics in Japanese (or Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian languages). Incidentally, Japanese characters can be made to display vertically, but in most cases this is not necessary. Take advantage of our knowledge and expertise in this area and have TrueLanguage manage your next multilingual project.

Can I open a Japanese QuarkXPress file in my US Version of QuarkXPress?
No. Double-byte Asian characters such as Japanese, Chinese and Korean require the native versions of QuarkXPress for that particular language.
What is “Double-Byte” Encoding? Double-Byte Encoding is used to display languages like Japanese, Chinese and Korean which use two bytes of data to represent a single character. By contrast, European characters use one byte. Roughly 32,000 different characters need to be accessible for these Asian languages. Some layout applications like QuarkXPress can handle this only in native language versions.

What type of graphics files will you return to me?
It depends upon your preference. We can create an electronic file in the same file format as the original or in another format. Size does need to be considered. We can also create an outlined EPS file, which is usually done for languages like Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Thai, Greek and others.

What is an Outlined EPS File?
“EPS” stands for Encapsulated PostScript. An Outlined EPS file is essentially a graphics file that can be used like a “picture.” When working in languages with font or operating system limitations (e.g. Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Russian, etc.) the text can be converted into a “picture.” This Outlined EPS file, or “picture”, can then be placed back into the original layout to produce a document that can be displayed on any system without the need for special fonts.

Can edits be made to an Outlined EPS file just like text?
No, once a file has been converted into an outlined EPS format, it is considered a graphic. Any edits would have to be made to the original document and the page re-outlined to create a new graphic.

Why is a PDF file important?
The advantage of PDF files is that they are small in file size, can be used across platforms, and eliminate most font requirements. All fonts and styles are embedded in the PDF file. For example, you can publish your Internet order forms in many different languages. Your clients can then download the order form in their native language and purchase your items over the Web. You don’t have to worry about the look and feel of your documents changing over different platforms.

Can I submit my files via e-mail?
Yes, our e-mail address is info@truelanguage.com. For files over 2 MB, please use our drop box: http://dropbox.yousendit.com/TrueLanguage. You can also upload and download files via our client portal once we have assigned a unique client login for you.

Can I send files over the Internet?
Yes, you can upload and download files via our client portal once we have assigned a unique client login for you.

How much does a typical project cost?
In order to provide an accurate quote, we need to understand the specifications of the project. Below are some aspects to keep in mind regarding cost.

• The easiest way to translate a document is from an electronic text format such as MS Word. However, PDF files can be converted or a hardcopy can be scanned and prepped, but the required time for the file prep will have to be added to the project scope.
• If the project calls for text-only translation, the cost will be based on the word count. The cost per word depends on the language as well as on the complexity and difficulty of the topic.
• Graphics often require special software and additional time. For website and software localization, the manner in which the original was created influences the cost.
• All project requirements are unique. Please call us at 770-850-1205 for a free estimate on your project.

What other factors influence the cost of a project?
Size, as determined by the number of words, is usually the most important factor. Additional languages will add to the cost as could a tight deadline. This is true for all types of translation projects. If typesetting is involved, the program used to create the document and the number of graphics to be localized will influence the cost. Subtitling projects will be more time consuming if a lot of text is to be placed on the various frames. Software projects are more challenging if no allowance has been made for the fact that nearly all Western languages require more space than English. There are many factors that influence the cost of a specific project. If you are new to localization, please call us at 770-850-1205 before you get started.

Are there tools to reduce the cost of translation?
If I click on “Translate” in Google, it doesn’t cost anything. If the quality of a quick machine translation will work for your needs, we encourage you to use any of the free tools available on the Internet. However, keep in mind that the benefits of a human translator cannot be matched by these free tools. Only intimate knowledge of both the source and the target language will produce the quality translation your project requires. TrueLanguage utilizes translation tools that not only ensure consistent terminology, but also help to reduce costs in the long run. The cost savings will only be realized with subsequent versions and updates.